Fiddlerman Apprentice Violin Outfit

Sizing Guide for String Instruments

This sizing guide is intended to give you a good idea of what instrument size you or your
student should look for. Please consider that this guide is based on our best estimates,
but we always recommend that you consult with us, or your teacher before purchasing or renting.

At Fiddlershop we care a lot about how our instruments are set up for them to sound the best.
Equally important to the instrument itself, is how your instruments fits you. If you play on the
wrong size violin, it might lead to pain, fatigue and injury. It also makes it harder to play. Thus, we have put together this guide for you.

SIZING FOR CELLOS

How to measure for a cello:

Sit at the end of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lean the cello at a 45 degree angle against your body. The top of the cello body, should rest in the center of your chest. The C peg should be slightly behind your left ear. Make sure you can reach both ends of the fingerboard easily. See chart for approximate sizing by age.

SIZE OF CELLO

AGE OF STUDENT

1/10

4 - 5 YRS

1/8

5 - 6 YRS

1/4

6 - 8 YRS

1/2

8 - 10 YRS

3/4

10 - 12 YRS

4/4

12 - 13+ YRS

SIZING FOR DOUBLE BASSES

How to measure for a double bass:

The 3/4 size double bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 and 4/4 size basses are made, but less common. As a guideline, when you stand upright next to the bass, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of your right hand. Most important is that you’re comfortable and can reach the higher registers without difficulty. See chart for approximate sizing by age.

This outfit was really meant for higher level instruments, but we made it happen! You'll find a nice Oblong case, followed by our Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow, shoulder rest, and rosin. Products that alone retail for over $200. We strive to offer this kind of quality outfit with every Fiddlerman violin we sell.

Case includes straps, music pocket, storage compartments, four or two bow holders

Fiddlerman wood violin shoulder rest (Muco for fractionals)

Fiddlershop/Fiddlerman Rosin

Ultra Practice Mute

Fiddlershop polishing cloth

One-year warranty on all accessories

The Fiddlershop Family

Why is Fiddlershop growing so fast and blowing away its competitors?

Fiddlerman himself tests and curates the violins and works directly with the maker to produce only the best. With over 40 years as a professional violinist of orchestras around the world, he knows what he's doing. We buy our violins directly from the maker - a rare business practice that lowers our cost so we can pass the savings on to you! Each Fiddlerman violin is set up in our workshop.

Im a beginner

Im a beginner so I can’t speak to the sound quality of this violin but it looks awesome, I like the darker finish. I was surprised at how nice the case, rest and extras were, the in-case humidifier is cool. This was a great purchase at this price I have no buyer’s remorse, only buyer’s rejoice!

A life-changer... Thank you, Fiddlershop

If the quality of the purchase could dictate how well one plays, I would be performing at Carnegie Hall now. Alas, that's not how it works. But having a high-grade instrument to play makes me want to play more. The Apprentice Violin Outfit is like a grab-bag of Christmas gifts, each one something you want!
I needed something to do that would allow me to focus on something other than my day job. I played as a child, but never mastered it, and hadn't touched it for decades. I look forward to practicing. Fiddlershop gives you absolutely everything you need to get started. I would recommend a couple of other items to add for an increased fee, however, such as peg chalk, and a chin rest cover.
I've enjoyed dealing with the staff. This is a first rate company with first rate customer service, in addition to their products. Everything is lovely, and someone who knows violins at a local shop told me my selections were quite good.
The last thing I'll mention is that what you think might be "defective," like slipping pegs is just how violins are built, so don't think you got a bad violin. In fact, I'd watch youtube videos so you can learn about your instrument. I've enjoyed it, immensely, and even know how to re-string the instrument to keep the pegs from slipping.
I'm one happy violin player, now, even if a bad one. But this instrument makes me want to live up to its sound and quality. You won't go wrong with this company, and whatever goes wrong, if anything--they will make it right. And then some!

Better than the Price Suggests

I've had this violin for around a month now and decided it was worth reviewing.
The violin arrived in Australia within 8 days and experienced no damage due to shipping.
The case that the violin comes in is excellent quality considering the price and I wouldn't be surprised to see it selling around the 100-150$ mark on it's own. The padding is good and holds the violin snugly in place when closed without allowing it to move around and I appreciated the way the violin comes packed in a little silk bag, definitely added to the unpacking experience.
The violin itself is really something to look at after using a sub200$ violin for practice. The finish, while matte, accentuates the grain of the wood and allows the flaming on the ribs and back of the violin to show through more than I expected. My only gripe visually with the violin is that some of the dark staining on the inside of the f holes had been chipped away near the top (maybe when the soundpost was installed?) but this can only be seen when intentionally looking within the f holes so it's not a huge issue.
Sound was fantastic. I haven't played violin since I was around 11 years old (now in my 20s) but this violin seems to be very forgiving to new players as even I could make it sound pleasant enough not to scare off my cat when practicing. The violin I received has quite a bright, cheery sound to it but still manages to do quite well on the low notes. I do find that the e string can sound a little metallic at times although that could be due to my poor playing.
Both the Violin and the bow are quite light compared to others that I've held, and I don't find myself struggling to hold up the violin during long practice sessions. My only issues with the bow were the plastic protective wrapping around the metal winding, it seems to be stuck underneath the leather grip and I can't remove it completely, and there is a small line of rust along the metal winding where the seam in the protective plastic was.
Overall, I'd definitely buy from fiddlershop again and will probably upgrade to the Soloist or the Scott Cao 750 if it's still available when I feel as though I can't get any more out of the Apprentice. Excellent videos, the item came as advertised and the quality of the instrument is exceptional for the price. 4/5 stars due to some minor cosmetic faults